Cumann na nGaedhael Flashcards Preview

History > Cumann na nGaedhael > Flashcards

Flashcards in Cumann na nGaedhael Deck (17)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Problems faced by Cumann na nGaedhael

A

£30 million worth of damage
Economy was in ruins
Great bitterness between both sides as a result of the civil war
A large majority did not even recognise the Free State and this threatened its very existence

2
Q

The Constitution

A

There were two houses of parliament:

1) Dáil Éireann
2) Seanad Éireann

Members of the Dáil had to swear an oath of allegiance (loyalty) to the king as head of the Commonwealth

The Governor-General was the king’s representative in the Irish Free State

3
Q

Law and order

A

The main task of Cumann na nGaedhael was to restore law and order
The Minister for Home Affairs (Justice) Kevin O’Higgins set up a new unarmed police force

O’Higgins introduced Public Safety Acts in 1923 and 1924 which allowed the government to imprison IRA members

4
Q

Public Safety Acts

A

O’Higgins introduced Public Safety Acts in 1923 and 1924 which allowed the government to imprison IRA members

5
Q

The Army Mutiny

A

The biggest threat to the state cane from the army

When the government planned to reduce the size of the army, army officers demanded them to abandon these plans

They also condemned the government for failing to bring the Irish Free State closer to a republic

The government considered this a mutiny and arrested those involved

The army was never a threat after that and this was considered a major achievement of the new government

6
Q

January 1923

A

The pro-treaty TDs of Sinn Féin changed their name to Cumann na nGaedhael
Their leader was William T. Cosgrave
The angi-treaty TDs kept their name as Sinn Féin

7
Q

General election 1923

A

Sinn Féin refused to take their seats

Labour party became the main opposition party in the Dáil

8
Q

The Economy

A

Government believed that agriculture was more important than industry
Wanted to improve quality of eggs, meat, and butter to increase food exports
Agricultural Credit Corporation was set up to give loans to farmers

9
Q

The Shannon Scheme

A

Lack of a cheap energy source
Government built a hydroelectric power station
Provided cheap electricity
ESB was set up to distribute electricity

10
Q

Boundary Commission

A

In 1924, the Boundary Commission was set up to decide the border between Irish Free State and Northern Ireeland
Eoin MacNeill, minister for education represented Free State
JR Fisher represented Unionists
Justice Richard Feetham of South Africa was ‘independent’ chairman
Reported in Morning Post, Free State would not acquire large areas of North and would lose small parts of East Donegal
Uproar in Free State and MacNeill resigned
Agreement was reached which left the border unchanged

11
Q

Relations with Britain

A

C.N.nGaedhael wanted to increase independence
Joined League of Nations and appointed ambassadors to Vatican and U.S.
Pressurised Britain to increase independence of dominions
British gave in and in 1931 the Statute of Westminster passed

12
Q

Statute of Westminster

A

Dáil could pass any laws without interference from Britain

All dominions could change laws that British hade made for them without approval of Britain

13
Q

Fianna Fáil

A

Anti-treaty Sinn Féin TDs would not swear oath to king
They could not enter Dáil
1926 - set up Fianna Fáil

14
Q

Electoral Amendment Act 1927

A

Stated all TDs must take oath or give up their seats

After this de Valera took oath and entered Dáil

15
Q

Cumann na nGaedhael became unpopular due to..

A

The Depression: caused by Wall Street Crash, led to high unemployment
Cutting trachers’ salaries to save money

16
Q

Fianna Fáil promised to..

A

Break up the Treaty
Put taxes on imports to encourage more Irish industry (more jobs)
Build houses for those living in slums
Improve pensions for the poor

17
Q

The Achievements of the Cumann na nGaedhael

A

Created employment –> agriculture, Shannon Scheme

Rebuilt the country after civil war

Economy was repaired

Shannon Scheme –> providing electricity

Statue of Westminster –> pass laws/get rid of laws

Established an Garda Síochána

Army Mutiny - got rid of threat

Special Powers Act

Relations w/ Britain repaired

Electoral Amendment Act